Obituary of Herbert H. Watson, Jr.

STAMFORD, CONN Herbert H. Watson, Jr., a Bethel resident for 60+ years, died peacefully at Stamford Hospital on November 19 after a brief illness. He was 90 years old. He was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn of 56 years and is survived by his 3 sons (all Bethel High School graduates) and their families: Rick of Stamford, CT (wife Laura and daughters Caitrin and Taylor), Ken of Fort Walton Beach, FL (wife Nancy and daughter Shawna) and Jeff of Newtown and Stamford, CT (wife Cory, daughter Alexandra and son Ben). Herb's calling in life was that of volunteering. After growing up in Norwalk, CT, he enlisted in the US Army at age 18 and fought in Korea. After the war, he and Carolyn married and moved to Bethel in 1960. While a young father, he served as Cub Scout Leader (Pack 51), Boy Scout Leader (Troop 167), Little League Baseball coach and Youth Soccer coach. He and Carolyn were faithful fans at the many Bethel High School and Southern Ct State College sporting events in which their sons participated. Herb gave over 17 gallons of blood at Red Cross blood drives. He ran the Norwalk Industrial Recreation League for many years during his 43-year career as a manager of safety at Nash Engineering in Norwalk. He also served in various capacities at his church (Danbury Church of Christ). In his retirement years Herb cared tirelessly for Carolyn as she struggled with Alzheimer's disease. After her passing in 2012, Herb took up writing and penned many short memoirs about his life for his family and friends to enjoy. In 2016 he moved to Reynolds Ridge Senior Housing in Bethel and served on the resident advisory board there. At Reynolds Ridge he also met his dear friend and companion Ursula Alling. Herb moved to Brighton Gardens senior community in Stamford in October of this year to be nearer to his family. There he was able to welcome his sons and their families to a large and joyous gathering several weeks prior to his illness and passing. Internment with military honors will take place at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport, Ct at 11 am on Friday December 13. A luncheon and memorial gathering will follow directly at Towne Parlor (upstairs), 112 Bedford St in Stamford, CT. (A parking lot is available on Spring Street)